DJ Times Radio 009: Mixed by Robbie Rivera

For over 15 years, the Miami-based DJ/producer has torn up crowds all over the world with his signature tribal house drums. Along the way, his Juicy Music imprint has created a life of its own, releasing some of house’s biggest tracks and forging the popular Juicy Beach party series.

He’s showing no signs of slowing down, either. In addition to premiering his new single “Sexy Anytime” (due out December 8 via Juicy Music) on DJ Times earlier this month, Rivera’s kept busy producing while still managing to maintain a hectic touring schedule. With a release on Axwell’s Axtone imprint scheduled and no end to touring in sight, 2015’s looking pretty Juicy.

For his turn behind the DJ Times Radio decks, Rivera drops a rowdy tropical house mix that’s sure to erase the pain of the winter chill outside. Consisting of material from his own Juicy Music label in addition to key cuts from Spinnin’ Records, Mark Knight’s Toolroom, and DJ Dan’s InStereo Recordings, it’s a fire starter from the opening drums of “Sexy Anytime” to the familiar sample of closer “Forever Young.”

Read our interview with Robbie and listen to the mix below.

DJ Times: Your new single “Sexy Anytime” recently premiered. What went into the creation of that track? Robbie Rivera: I worked on the track for about a month, trying to achieve the right tribal house sound that I used to do back in 2005. I then added Billy’s vocals and a cool distorted horn sound. I’m very happy with the results, and the DJ feedback has been great so far!

DJ Times: You have a track coming out on Axtone soon, correct? Rivera: Yes, I have a single on Axwell’s label slotted for 2015, but I can’t go into full details about it just yet.

DJ Times: You tour pretty heavily. How do you find time to produce new music in spite of it? Rivera: I’m very focused on what I want to achieve, so I plan my week as best as I can to try to work on music releases, speak to agents, make music, and spend time with my wife. I make myself have a regular sort of a nine-to-five schedule, and I treat it as if I have to go work for a company at an office. I wake up around 8:30 AM, have my breakfast shake, and go work out for an hour. Then, I take a shower and get dressed as if I’m going outside of my place to work. The only difference is that I just walk several feet and reach my studio! I try to finish all my work around 6:30-7 PM so I can have the evening to share with my wife, dog, friends and family. Bedtime is very important to me; I try to be in bed by 11 PM unless I am touring or out with my friends. I am not a nocturnal producer. I love my job and I treat it and respect it as such. I’ve been doing this for over 15 years. It can very stressful but fun as well.

DJ Times: With 2014 almost over, what are some particularly tracks and artists that have stood out as your favorites recently? Rivera: The Robin Schulz remix of ["Dangerous” by] David Guetta is very good. I also like Deorro’s “Don’t Hold Me Back,” and my track “The Thing” is having an amazing response!

DJ Times: What other projects are you working on right now? Rivera: I am working on a deep house track called “Get Near” and a bunch of tech-tribal tracks! I am always, always working!